The entire academy had suddenly become rowdy—but not in the way of celebration or excitement. No, the noise and movement were restricted to just one room: the Portal Room.
This was the gateway to their respective planets, the only place that now mattered.
Students filled the chamber, many limping or clutching parts of their bodies. Although each had been treated to the point of being able to walk, their spirits were far from healed. This was only a temporary farewell—their departure wasn't permanent. They would all return. At least, that's what they were told.
Till further notice.
Kairos's group stood out from the rest. They weren't speaking, nor were they standing together. Carlos was somewhere off in the distance, and the others were scattered, broken in spirit. Pain and exhaustion hung heavy in their eyes like a storm cloud refusing to pass.
The loss still clung to them like a second skin.
